It was a hellish weekend for the resident of Katsina State as suspected bandits went on the loose killing 12 residents of Duba community in Batsari Local Government Area of the state.
Reports say the bandits stormed the village at about 9pm on Saturday and engaged in sporadic shooting of residents resulting in the death toll while six others were injured.
The Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, Gambo Isah confirmed the report said the attackers also looted a number of shops and rustled some domestic animals.
According to him, “a joint Military, Police and Airforce operation is ongoing to deal with the situation and investigation is in top gear with a view to arresting the perpetrators of the crime.”
The victims were laid to rest in accordance with Muslim rites on Sunday afternoon.
The Duba killing is the third in series of bloody attacks by bandits after Governor Aminu Bello Masari’s August 17, 2021 controversial directive to residents to acquire arms in order to protect themselves during attacks by bandits.
Similarly in Kaduna bandits attacks have left many dead, even as military troops were able to recover 9 corpses in the Zangon Kataf local government area of the State.
The bandits were said to have invaded Ungwan Dooh (Mado) village of Zangon Kataf LGA in the early hours of Sunday and shot many persons to death.
A statement by the Commissioner for Internal security and home affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said, “Many persons are feared dead, with one person injured following an attack by unidentified persons in Ungwan Dooh (Mado) village of Zangon Kataf LGA.
“This was reported to the Kaduna State Government by troops of Operation Safe Haven, who responded to distress calls and mobilized to the area.
“Troops are still carrying out search and rescue operations, and will make public the exact number of casualties.
“The assailants fled on sighting the troops. Nine corpses have been recovered so far following a search of the village.
“One resident, Magdalene Dangoma, sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment in hospital. Two houses were razed in the attack.
“The troops of Operation Safe Haven also rescued 12 persons who were fleeing from the attackers.
“Acting Governor Dr Hadiza Balarabe received the reports with sadness, and condemned the recent spate of devastating attacks in the area. She prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased, and sent condolences to their families.
“The Acting Governor wished the injured resident a quick recovery, and urged security agencies to sustain diligent investigations into the attack.
“Troops are working in the area and the public will be updated on further developments”.
